garlic butter breadsticks

I almost didn’t post this recipe. I mean… let’s look at the photos. Ahem. Not my best work (breadsticks are REALLY REALLY not easy to photograph, you guys. Just saying).

But can you believe that there is only one other recipe for breadsticks on this blog, you know, the blog about bread? And believe it or not, the photos of those breadsticks are even worse (I’ll let you forage for that evidence if you dare).

But what we lack here in breadstick glamour shots is made up for in a recipe for garlic butter breadsticks that will blow. your. mind. And your tastebuds. That, at least, I can deliver.

The recipe for these breadsticks actually comes at the request of a reader (hi, Nancy!) but it’s also been on that “Must Bake” list I allude to every now and then, which truthfully only exists partially in my head, in chicken scratch on random dates in my planner and practically in Morse code in my phone’s notes. I scroll through the list and read things like, “CP wed soup”, “ice cream from MEC”, “pump bagels”, all of which will hopefully make their way to the blog this year and thus be fully decoded. But for these breadsticks, the note was “MAKE BREADSTICKS ALREADY,” so the calling was clear. Nancy really just was the final push for me to get my bum in the kitchen and make those breadsticks already. So thanks, Nancy.

I didn’t really say much about this in my last post of 2015 and that’s because I didn’t feel like ending the year with such, well, negativity, but I am in a rut. Again. Yes. Is this the way of the creatives? That we trod and trod and trod our way through our work only to be burned out again and again and again? Or am I just extra-sensitive to this? What I am trying to say is: 2015 for me and this blog was a tumult of emotions. I’m not proud of how often I let comparison rob me of the joy that I otherwise have when I blog, but it got to me, and it got to me a lot. I felt emptied, excluded, defeated, frustrated and worn out.

And what’s so ironic about that is that I ended the year with the highest number of visitors I’ve ever had come to the blog. I should only be elated. And let me be clear — I AM. I am so elated. Don’t let this come across like I am not insanely grateful for each and every reader who comes to this humble little space of mine to see my recipes and comment on them and actually make them. How I am like a proud mama when I see your posts on Instagram of that no-knead Dutch oven bread you finally tackled or those banana cream cookie pies that you topped with your own twist. I love it. It’s why I do this. It’s why I trod and trod and trod, even when I just really don’t want to anymore and I’m ready to fold it all in and call it a day (or six years) and walk away.

At the end of the day, this work is a part of me and I need it. (I also need the carbs, but that’s beside the point.)

To be perfectly honest, I often feel like the source of my burnout is that I’m not sharing what I really want to share here. That I’m not telling you more about what’s going on in my life, behind the bread, beyond the oven. That I’m not posting recipes that I actually want to post, but more recipes that I think you want to see. This recipe is one of those that covers both categories — because I really do love these breadsticks and I thought you would, too. And that happens here often, I promise. But I’m thinking that, from here on out, I need to be even more authentic. That I need to put a little more “real life” me on here. Or maybe not. Basically, I just want to follow my heart and where it leads me in this blog space in 2016, cheesy as that sounds.

And right now, my heart wants these soft, warm, garlicky, buttery breadsticks. Or is that my belly? Hard to tell sometimes.

37 comments on “garlic butter breadsticks”

Oh these look fantastic! And the photos look pretty good to me! And I hear you on the comparing yourself to others..it’s so hard not to especially in the blogging world..but just remember when you are envying someone someone else is probably envying your work! like me 🙂 keep up the great work! love your blog!

I’m so sorry you are suffering from burn out dear! I know the feeling all too well, and I think it’s something we all go through at one point or another. Before break to help with the burn out, I tried to get three weeks ahead on blogging so I could take a “break” during Christmas and New Year’s. It helped a lot! I hope that you are feeling recharged now that it’s a New Year and now that these garlic breadsticks are in your belly. BTW these breadsticks are AMAZING. Who cares about the photos? I think they look great! 😉 Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks! XOXO

First, this recipe is killer. I can’t wait to make it and spice up lasagna night!
Second, I hear ya on the burnout. I think part of it is that we are creatives. We are prone to cycles. But also, I blame someone at a blog conference (I can’t remember who it was, but it was 1.5 years ago), that told me I should be posting the recipes my readers want to see. So I did that. And thus began my 1.5 year unhappiness stint with blogging. A blog used to be my creative outlet. And now it’s my business? No way. I’d rather go back to work and keep blogging on the side for ME.
Anyway, I’m here for you. I should have texting you all of this instead of writing it here in PUBLIC.
xoxoxox

We want to see your real life!!! I feel like we all go through blogging ruts at least a little bit – I’ve been feeling creatively stuck recently and only brainstorming when I’ve needed to instead of being struck randomly by inspiration, but it all ebbs and flows over time, right?!

Also, these pictures are GORGEOUS and make me totally want to reach over and grab one…or three…of these beautiful breadsticks. Nothing with garlic butter can be bad! Stick with doing what you love, and the readers will love you back 🙂 <3

Sending you positive vibes – don’t fret too much about feeling down, we all experience it so you’re not alone!!! Personally after blogging for a year, there are some blogs I really look forward to reading every week and yours is one of them – your bread recipes are some of the most legit floating around the web if you ask me. I hope 2016 gives you newfound creativity!!! <3

Thanks for ALL YOU DO for us on a daily basis! You are wonderful and so creative!
Don’t worry about being authentic, it is wonderful to share all your ups & downs with us! We are human, not robots! Thank goodness!
I love Dorie, on Finding Nemo, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”
I just adore your recipes! This garlic butter breadstick recipe is so inspirational for me! I am still flying the banner or making bread, I seem to do something bad to the yeast in making the water too hot, thus hockey pucks for rolls! But this year, 2016, I pledge to master this too! The breadsticks are calling out for soup! So, into the kitchen, I go!
I am a wonderful biscuit maker, so move over Hardees!
Praying for this year, 2016 be the best ever for you!

I think everyone gets into ruts at least once a year, don’t feel bad about it!! You keep doing what you do, and if you feel like you need to change things around, do it!! Cheers to 2016 love!! And to these breadsticks… 😉

I feel you on the feels. I think when we met up I was REALLY in the thick of some serious blogger emotions and probably talked about it way too much. I’m still struggling with insecurity and feelings, but I also thinks it’s part of the territory–a not-good-enough feeling that maybe drives us? IDK, maybe I’m making that up to make myself feel better. But, I get what you’re saying…solidarity!!

I am so excited that you Shared your Bread Stick Recipe (& gave me a shout out)…Thank You for Both! I can’t wait to make these, which I will be, next Sunday (1/17/16), to go w/ my Homemade Pea Soup…can’t wait!
I’ll let you know how they come out, as I’m still an Amateur at making Breads, Bread Sticks, etc., keep your fingers crossed! Tho, I have no fear really, bc your Directions are easy to follow & Recipe(s) are Awesome! Soon I will be trying your other Recipes w/ my GrandDaughter! Thank You again!

I love you, girly! The battle between letting our creativity flow in full-force without worrying about how our readers will perceive our work versus being ultra conscientious about how each and every post is accepted(/rejected) by our readers + the blogging community is by far the most difficult part about blogging. There’s definitely a lot of outside noise that seeps into our work that can kill the passion for the art. I’ve always loved what you do here and hope 2016 feels far more fulfilling. I’m giving you a ginormous bear hug!

P.S. For what it’s worth, the second I saw your breadsticks I was like “fuuuuuuh I could never make breadsticks look that good!”

This is such a great post. I think we can all relate to feeling burned out. I find that when I step away and live a bit without having to worry about work, I come back refreshed and ready to write and create. These breadsticks look amazing!

This recipe looks awesome! cant wait to try it! One question though… the total time of the recipe says 50 minutes, but you say to let the dough rise for 1 hour. So is it a total of 1 hr and 50 minutes? Or should I be using rapid rise yeast and let it sit for less time?